Territorial heterogeneity of feline sporotrichosis in an urban endemic setting in southern Brazil during a major flood period

Feline sporotrichosis has emerged as an important urban zoonosis in Brazil and is characterized by a heterogeneous territorial distribution in endemic regions. Environmental disruptions may alter animal mobility, environmental exposure, and surveillance dynamics, potentially influencing patterns of disease detection. This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of feline sporotrichosis in the municipality of Guaíba, southern Brazil, during a surveillance period that included a major flooding event. An observational analytical study was conducted using records of 278 cats clinically suspected of having sporotrichosis, investigated between January 2024 and August 2025. All animals underwent mycological culture for diagnostic confirmation of Sporothrix spp. Epidemiological, environmental, and housing variables were obtained using structured investigation forms. Associations with culture positivity were assessed using logistic regression, and spatial and temporal patterns were evaluated using kernel density estimation and spatial scan statistics. Of the 278 cats, 85 (30.6%) were culture-positive. Male sex, non-neutered status, age between 1-6 years, and poor body condition were associated with infection in univariate analyses. In the multivariate analysis, cats with unrestricted outdoor access, free-roaming behavior, or temporary sheltering showed higher odds of culture positivity compared with strictly indoor animals. Similarly, cats that were free-roaming or temporarily sheltered during the 2024 flood had increased odds of infection. Residence in specific neighborhoods and age group were also associated with culture positivity, although some estimates showed limited precision. Spatial analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of cases across the municipality, with areas of higher case concentration identified by kernel density estimation. Temporal analysis indicated increased case detection following the major flood event that affected the region in May 2024. These findings demonstrate the marked territorial heterogeneity of feline sporotrichosis and highlight the importance of territorially informed surveillance strategies for monitoring and control in endemic urban settings.