Texas Fever

What was 'Texas fever'?

Texas fever was a cattle disease that often resulted in the animals dying. It is no longer prevalent in the USA as the tick that caused it has been eliminated.

Why was Texas fever a problem?

Texas cattle were driven on routes across Missouri and Kansas, which could result in the disease spreading.

What measures were taken to prevent Texas cattle fever?

Quarantine laws were passed to prevent infected cattle from entering Missouri in 1855, and then Kansas in 1859.