Tetanus is an infectious but non-contagious disease caused by Clostridium tetani. The disease occurred and occurs all over the world and the oldest mentions of it come from antiquity. In ancient texts, the disease was described in relation to both humans and animals. The etiology, diagnosis and methods of treating tetanus in horses were described by Pelagonius, Vegetius Renatus, and the author of the work entitled Mulomedicina Chironis. Determining the causes of the disease in animals was based on the humoral theory, as was its treatment. It was quite commonly believed that the disease in horses was caused by hypothermia, therefore treatment was based on the use of warming drugs. The causes of the disease mentioned by ancient veterinarians were not correct, but were consistent with the state of medical and veterinary knowledge at that time.

In 1945 due to several orders and legal acts the Soviet Union granted itself the right of acquisition encompassing all industrial plants in Upper Silesia and the Dąbrowa Basin. Local metalworking and zinc working plants were one of the most harmed industries due to Soviet looting. Simultaneously with local deconstruction there was widespread censorship of this occurrence and widespread fabrication of narratives, according to which the perpetrators were the retreating Germans.