Definition

Noun: * Texas fever: An infectious disease of cattle, characterized by fever, anemia, and often death, which is transmitted by the bite of the cattle tick (Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus microplus). It is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia.

Usage

• The term "Texas fever" is used specifically in veterinary and agricultural contexts to refer to this historical and economically significant livestock disease.
• It is often discussed in relation to tick control, cattle management, and the history of animal husbandry in North America.

Examples

• Noun:
  • In the late 19th century, Texas fever devastated herds as cattle were driven north from infected areas.
  • The discovery that the cattle tick was the vector for Texas fever led to major quarantine and eradication programs.
  • Veterinarians diagnosed the herd with Texas fever after observing symptoms of high fever and red urine.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used historically or regionally. The more precise scientific names for the disease are bovine babesiosis or cattle tick fever.
• "Texas fever tick": Refers specifically to the tick species that transmits the disease.
  • Eradication efforts focused on eliminating the Texas fever tick from pastures.

Variants and Related Words

• Bovine babesiosis (n): The scientific/medical term for the disease.
• Cattle tick fever (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with Texas fever.
• Babesiosis (n): The general name for the disease caused by parasites, which can affect various animals, including humans.

Synonyms

• Cattle tick fever
• Bovine babesiosis
• Redwater fever (a name derived from a common symptom)

Notes on Meaning

• "Texas fever" is a compound noun naming a specific disease. Its meaning is fixed and technical. It does not refer to a general fever or a condition specific to the state of Texas outside of this veterinary context. The name originates from the disease's association with cattle originating from or moving through Texas in the 1800s.

Noun

1. an infectious disease of cattle transmitted by the cattle tick