According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, cattle came to Arizona as early as the 1690s by the Spanish conquistadores and missionaries. After the Civil War, Arizona began to see a cattle boom. In 1887 the Territorial Livestock Sanitary Commission was formed, which had its own veterinarian. This agency was tasked with enforcing livestock laws, including brand registration, inspection, and health regulations. The Board's creation was driven by the need to standardize practices and curb the spread of diseases like Texas fever, which threatened the cattle industry. Inspectors were appointed to oversee branding and ensure compliance with health standards, playing a vital role in protecting both the livestock and the livelihoods of ranchers. This regulatory framework helped lay the foundation for a more organized and prosperous cattle industry in Arizona.
