Luna, an Arctic fox, was treated by UW Veterinary Care clinicians for a rare illness known as salmon poisoning disease. (Photo courtesy of the Ochsner Park Zoo)
By Simran Khanuja
When Luna, an Arctic fox from Oregon, arrived at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo, Wisconsin, her caretakers knew she was special. She had made national headlines for her unique rescue and long journey. But soon after arrival, her keepers noticed something was wrong.
At first, staff thought she was adjusting, but her appetite and energy continued to decrease. Concerned, the zoo’s team contacted UW Veterinary Care (UWVC).
Luna was admitted to UWVC in poor condition — dehydrated, emaciated, and weak. Her fur was stained from diarrhea, her eyes sunken, and several lymph nodes swollen.
“A healthy fox is usually difficult to handle without sedation, but Luna was so sick she required minimal restraint,” says Alyssa Scagnelli (Department of Surgical Sciences), clinical instructor of zoological medicine.
Blood tests revealed bacteria inside Luna’s white blood cells, suggesting a rickettsial infection, a bacterial disease transmitted by vectors like ticks or mites. Her liver enzymes were dangerously high, and similar bacteria were found in her lymph nodes. Since Luna came from the Pacific Northwest, veterinarians suspected salmon poisoning disease, a rare illness caused by neorickettsia helminthoeca transmitted by a parasite found in that region. PCR testing confirmed the diagnosis.
Luna began treatment with antibiotics, IV fluids, gastric protectants, antiparasitic and liver medications, pain relief, and anti-nausea drugs. Within just a few days, she started improving.
As Luna’s energy returned, she was discharged back to the zoo to continue her recovery in a quieter, more familiar environment. Follow-up tests confirmed normal bloodwork and fecal results, and she steadily gained weight while starting to display more typical fox behaviors.
“The key lesson from Luna’s case is the importance of an animal’s history when considering diagnoses,” Scagnelli says. “Without knowing she came from Oregon, we would never have suspected salmon poisoning disease. This is a once-in-a-lifetime diagnosis that you would never expect to see in an animal from Wisconsin. Travel histories are important for pets and zoo species alike.”
Today, Luna shares her enclosure with Apollo, a male Arctic fox, and Taglu, a male black bear. Though initially hesitant, she now frequently plays and wrestles with Apollo and has grown less fearful of Taglu.
“Luna is doing fantastic,” says Ochsner Park Zoo Manager Katie Gries. “Visitors love her, and donors from across the country have come specifically to see her.”
When the zoo shared Luna’s story and asked for support, more than 150 donations came in from over 20 states to help fund her care and other needs.
“What stands out most is the community Luna created,” Gries says. “Thanks to the love and support we received for her, we were able to give her everything she needed. It is amazing how this small little creature brought us all together.”