Spatiotemporal dynamics and environmental drivers of listeriosis hospitalizations in Spain (2016-2024): A One Health perspective

The study analyzed the distribution of human listeriosis in Spain during 2016-2024 using hospitalization data, livestock census records, and meteorological information. A total of 4,391 hospitalizations were recorded with a national average of 1.03 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, peaking in 2019. Bovine density was the primary environmental driver, increasing risk by 11 percent per 10 animals per km². Weather and livestock farming showed synergistic effects: bovine-associated risk increased exponentially at higher temperatures (around 21 °C) and lower humidity (53 percent), while goat-associated listeriosis peaked at cooler temperatures (around 13 °C). Spatial mapping revealed bovine clusters in the north and goat farming segregation in the south. Listeriosis occurrence was not associated with sheep or pig farming.