Brazil Study Detects Disease-Causing Fungus in Wild Animals, Raising Health Concerns
Key Developments:
- Researchers in Brazil detected DNA from pathogenic Sporothrix fungi in wild mammals, birds and reptiles.
- The fungi, known for causing sporotrichosis in cats and humans, were found in internal organs of several wild species.
- Scientists say the findings suggest wild animals may play a broader role in the circulation of these fungal pathogens than previously understood.
SAO PAULO (Phys Org) — June 11, 2026: Scientists in Brazil have identified disease-causing fungi commonly associated with sporotrichosis in a range of wild animals, raising new questions about the role wildlife may play in the spread of fungal infections that affect both animals and humans.
The findings, published in the scientific journal Mycopathologia, revealed the presence of DNA from three species of the genus Sporothrix in tissue samples collected from wild animals in the Brazilian state of Paraná. Researchers say the discovery expands current understanding of how these fungi circulate in nature.
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Sporotrichosis is a fungal disease that is frequently transmitted among domestic cats and can also infect humans, typically causing skin lesions and, in some cases, affecting the lymphatic system. One of the fungal species identified in the study, Sporothrix brasiliensis, is considered endemic to Brazil and has been linked to major outbreaks of feline-transmitted sporotrichosis.
Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 81 animals, including mammals, birds and reptiles, collected after road accidents over several years. DNA from pathogenic Sporothrix species was detected in 11 animals, with positive findings most commonly recorded in heart and liver tissues.
Lead researcher Anderson Messias Rodrigues said: “It wasn’t possible to determine whether the fungi were in their pathogenic form in the wild animals, but it’s clear that they’re circulating more widely than we’d imagined, posing a potential risk to human and animal health.”
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The study identified Sporothrix schenckii as the most frequently detected species. Researchers also found evidence of S. brasiliensis and S. globosa in multiple animal species, including birds, rodents and reptiles. Among the animals carrying fungal DNA was the endangered southern tigrina wildcat (Leopardus guttulus).
First author Steffanie Skau Amadei explained that while researchers could not confirm active infection through histopathological analysis, the presence of fungal DNA in internal organs warranted further investigation.
“We were unable to perform histopathology to confirm the infection, which may be done in future studies,” Amadei said.
She added: “We were able to detect the DNA of the fungus in internal tissues, such as the liver and heart, which is an indication that it’s circulating in the body.”
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One notable finding involved birds. Scientists have traditionally believed that the elevated body temperatures of birds make them less susceptible to many pathogenic fungi. However, the new research suggests some Sporothrix species may tolerate these conditions.
“There’s a prevailing view that birds are protected from pathogenic fungi simply because they have a high body temperature,” Amadei said. “We saw in this study that pathogenic species do indeed tolerate high body temperatures.”
Researchers also observed that transition zones between natural habitats, agricultural areas and urban environments showed higher occurrences of the fungus. According to the authors, increasing overlap between wildlife, domestic animals and human populations may contribute to the spread of emerging infectious diseases.
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Rodrigues noted: “We’re witnessing the emergence of Sporothrix in new hosts. The study opens the door to new research by showing that the reservoirs of the fungus extend far beyond domestic animals.”
The study was conducted through a collaboration involving the Federal University of São Paulo, the State University of Londrina, the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná and international research partners.
A Map of the study area in Paraná, Brazil, indicating the locations where 81 roadkilled animals were collected between 2017 and 2023. The sampling points are distributed along highways BR-376 and PR-445. B The collected fauna included mammals (n = 39), birds (n = 36), and reptiles (n = 6). Credit: Mycopathologia (2026). DOI: 10.1007/s11046-026-01067-4
Scientists emphasized that additional research is needed to determine whether the animals were actively infected or simply carrying traces of fungal DNA. However, they said the findings support the broader One Health approach, which examines the interconnected health of humans, animals and ecosystems.
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Researchers also highlighted the potential value of wildlife monitoring through roadkill surveillance, arguing that such programs may provide cost-effective insights into emerging diseases circulating in the environment.
The findings come amid growing international attention on zoonotic and environmentally transmitted diseases, as health experts continue to monitor how environmental changes, habitat disruption and increased human-wildlife interaction may influence future disease risks.
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