Abstract
Background
Zoonotic diseases are re-emerging public health threats in Europe, exacerbated by climate change, land-use shifts and expanding wildlife-human interfaces. In Spain, Q fever, leishmaniasis, brucellosis and trichinosis remain endemic, yet sub-regional surveillance data are scarce. Toledo province Zone VI (533,690 inhabitants) combines intensive livestock farming, rural-periurban gradients and favourable conditions for vector expansion, making it an epidemiologically relevant sentinel area.
Objectives
To characterise the incidence, geographic distribution and exposure determinants of notifiable zoonoses in Sanitary Zone VI of Toledo during 2025.
Methods
Descriptive study of laboratory-confirmed zoonosis cases notified to the Spanish Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (EDOS) in 2025. Variables: disease, municipality of residence, exposure factors. Incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated and cases mapped at municipal level.
Results
Twelve cases were recorded (overall incidence: 2.25/100,000). Q fever accounted for 41.7%, leishmaniasis 33.3%, trichinosis 16.7% and brucellosis 8.3%. Cases were dispersed across 10 municipalities with no clustering in the provincial capital. Q fever concentrated in livestock-active municipalities. Leishmaniasis affected both rural and periurban areas, suggesting reservoir expansion beyond traditional rural settings. Both trichinosis cases were linked to game meat consumption. No significant temporal aggregation was detected.
Conclusions
Despite low overall incidence, the periurban expansion of leishmaniasis, consistent with European trends linked to reservoir spread and climate warming, warrants enhanced active surveillance. Targeted interventions should prioritise vector control, livestock worker education and game meat inspection in high-risk municipalities. A one health approach is essential to coordinate effective responses accross sanitation, agriculture and environment.
Key messages
• Leishmaniasis periurban expansion in Toledo mirrors European trends driven by climate change and reservoir spread, demanding proactive vector surveillance beyond traditional risk areas
• Effective zoonosis control in rural-periurban provinces requires a One Health response, coordinating human health, veterinary and environmental sectors.