1. parasitic roundworms that infect the respiratory tract of birds, causing them to gasp for air
Usage: veterinary; plural form

Examples

• The chickens were infected with gapeworms and had difficulty breathing.
• Gapeworms live in the trachea and bronchi of infected birds.
• The veterinarian diagnosed the pheasants with gapeworms after observing their gasping behavior.
• Young birds are particularly susceptible to gapeworms.
• Treatment for gapeworms typically involves antiparasitic medication.
• Gapeworms can cause significant mortality in poultry flocks if left untreated.