A red fox who secretly traveled across the Atlantic on a cargo ship has finished quarantine after receiving care at the Bronx Zoo.
The 2-year-old fox, now named Basil, was discovered in February among cargo at the Port of New York and New Jersey. He had somehow stowed away on a car transporter ship that had traveled from Southampton, England, to New York.
After U.S. customs officers found him, Basil was taken to the Bronx Zoo on February 19 for care and quarantine.
Veterinary staff soon discovered that he had French heartworm, a parasite more commonly found in Europe. The infection affects blood vessels in the lungs and can cause serious breathing problems. It is considered rare in the United States.
The Wildlife Conservation Society, which operates the Bronx Zoo, said Basil was treated with a month-long course of three different deworming medications. Afterward, vets repeated diagnostic tests several times to confirm the infection had cleared.
Thankfully, Basil responded very well to treatment. Zoo staff said he showed dramatic improvement and is now in good health.
After surviving an unexpected ocean journey, a serious parasite infection and quarantine, Basil is finally stable, healthy and safe in expert care.