Why do you think the author mentioned that the cattle was diseased?

The author likely mentioned that the cattle was diseased to highlight the dire conditions faced by the characters or to set a tone of hardship and struggle. This detail may serve to illustrate the broader themes of suffering, neglect, or the consequences of environmental or economic factors. Additionally, it could foreshadow challenges that the characters will encounter or symbolize the decay of a once-thriving community or livelihood.