זכריה, פרק י״ד, פסוק ט״ו

The devastation brought upon the enemy camps extends far beyond the human soldiers. The punishment will be absolute, striking down all the animals found within the camps as well [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that this destruction mirrors the severe plague detailed earlier in the prophecy, a horrific affliction causing the flesh and eyes of the enemies to rot away [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד].

The timing of this detail within the broader narrative serves a specific purpose. The death of the livestock is mentioned immediately after the description of the Israelites gathering vast spoils of silver, gold, and clothing, rather than earlier alongside the plague striking the men. This placement explains the practical limits of the gathered plunder. Because the animals suffer the exact same rotting plague as their owners, they are entirely ruined and unfit for use. Consequently, the Israelites will leave them behind, taking only the inanimate wealth as their spoils [אברבנאל].