Research and analysis

HAIRS risk statement: sporotrichosis

Risk review and statement on the risk sporotrichosis in cats presents to the UK human population.

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Sporotrichosis is an infection caused by a group of dimorphic fungi, which have a global distribution. Humans typically become infected through contact with fungal spores in contaminated environments. Zoonotic transmission of sporotrichosis has also been described.

In 2022, a zoonotic outbreak involving 3 human cases of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis was reported in the UK, where the most likely source of infection was a domestic cat imported from Brazil. These were the first ever cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis identified in the UK.

This risk statement provides a qualitative description of the current risk to the UK human population and highlights evidence gaps and recommendations for mitigating against the risk of zoonotic transmission.

Updates to this page

Published 17 January 2024

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