Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A rabies scare has gripped Mabale in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, after veterinary authorities detected suspected cases of the deadly disease in cattle.
This has prompted investigations into the illegal sale and slaughter of sick animals, whose meat may have been consumed by members of the public.
The Department of Veterinary Services has launched investigations following reports that three cattle were sold and slaughtered in February without veterinary clearance, despite exhibiting signs associated with rabies.
Veterinary officials confirmed that suspected rabies cases were detected in cattle in Mabale Ward 17 after the animals began exhibiting unusual behaviour, including excessive bellowing, salivation and aggression.
According to a report from the department in Hwange District, officials were alerted last week to the sale and slaughter of three cattle on 10, 15 and 17 February. The animals were reportedly unwell but were sold and slaughtered without the knowledge or approval of veterinary authorities, police or local traditional leaders.
District Veterinary Officer Dr Zanele Matatu stated that the development has raised serious public health concerns because the carcasses were later sold to members of the public through local butcheries. “During the course of last week, the Department of Veterinary Services was alerted to three beasts sold and slaughtered on two different dates in February 2026 in Mabale,” she said.
“The cattle at Mabale Dip Tank were reportedly bought while ill, exhibiting signs such as bellowing, aggression and salivation. No authorities, such as the village head, police or the Veterinary Department, were involved in the sale or slaughter of the animals.”
Dr Matatu added that the uninspected meat was allegedly sold at Jeffin Shop, which operates a butchery and at Family Meat Butchery.
Following the report, veterinary officers visited the seller’s homestead, where they discovered another cow suspected of being infected with rabies in the same area.
“The cow was destroyed and a rabies sample was submitted to the laboratory,” said Dr Matatu. Police have since been involved and investigations are ongoing.
The affected butcheries have been temporarily halted from selling meat pending the outcome of investigations, amid fears that members of the public may have consumed infected meat.
“One butchery still has meat present, while the entire area under concern has been placed under quarantine pending investigations,” said Dr Matatu.
Authorities suspect that the three cattle already slaughtered may also have been infected.
“We suspect that these slaughtered animals may have had rabies and that the public was exposed to it,” she said.
The situation has heightened concern because Mabale is close to Hwange National Park, where livestock frequently interact with wildlife such as jackals and buffaloes that can transmit diseases.
Veterinary officials have recommended the temporary suspension of meat sales in affected wards while assessments continue. They are also encouraging vaccination of livestock and advising caution for anyone who may have consumed meat from the affected butcheries.
Further updates are expected once laboratory results and police investigations are completed.
