1. A parasitic roundworm that infects the respiratory tract of birds, causing a disease characterized by open-mouthed breathing.
Usage: veterinary/ornithological term; also called the red worm or forked worm

Examples

• The farmer noticed his chickens were gaping and suspected gapeworm infection.
• Gapeworm is a common parasitic disease in poultry and wild birds.
• The veterinarian diagnosed the songbird with gapeworm after observing its labored breathing.
• Proper sanitation helps prevent gapeworm transmission among captive birds.
• Young birds are more susceptible to severe gapeworm infections than adults.