Red Fox 'Basil' Recovers from Heartworm After Journey from England to New York
Stowaway red fox ‘Basil’ recovers from heartworm, completes quarantine in the U.S.

Image: Ctv News
A two-year-old red fox named Basil, who traveled from Southampton, England, to New York via cargo ship, has recovered from French heartworm and completed his quarantine at the Bronx Zoo. Initially diagnosed with a parasite, Basil received treatment and has shown significant health improvements.
- 01Basil was diagnosed with French heartworm, a parasite rarely seen in the U.S. that can cause severe respiratory issues.
- 02The fox underwent a treatment plan involving three types of deworming medication over approximately one month.
- 03Basil's weight increased from 5.1 kilograms (11.2 pounds) to 6.2 kilograms (13.7 pounds) during his recovery.
- 04The red fox was discovered at the Port of New York and New Jersey in February after arriving from England.
- 05Bronx Zoo officials are now considering long-term placement options for Basil following his successful recovery.
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Basil, a two-year-old male red fox, has successfully completed his quarantine at the Bronx Zoo after traveling from Southampton, England, to New York via cargo ship. Upon arrival, he was diagnosed with French heartworm, a parasite that is uncommon in the United States but can lead to serious respiratory diseases if untreated. Over the course of about a month, Basil received a comprehensive treatment plan that included three types of deworming medication. The Bronx Zoo reported that Basil showed significant improvement throughout his treatment, gaining weight and exhibiting a healthier coat. Initially weighing 5.1 kilograms (11.2 pounds), he now weighs 6.2 kilograms (13.7 pounds). Basil was discovered in February at the Port of New York and New Jersey, and his rescue was coordinated by United States Customs and Border Protection along with wildlife officials. Now that he has completed quarantine, zoo officials are assessing suitable long-term placement options for him.
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Basil's recovery highlights the importance of wildlife health management and the role of zoos in rehabilitating animals that arrive in distress.
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