Blastomycosis is an uncommon disease that occurs when an individual breathes in the fungal spores that are present in the environment. Typically Blastomyces spores are found in the soil in decaying foliage and vegetation and grow only under a very specific set of circumstances. When the soil is disturbed, the spores can be inhaled by humans and animals, causing disease. For more information about Blastomycosis, please see the Department of Public Health fact sheet.