Antibiotic – a chemical substance produced by a microorganism that has the capacity, in dilute solutions, to inhibit the growth of or to kill other microorganisms.

Antimicrobial—an agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their multiplication or growth. This includes antibiotics and synthetic agents. This excludes ionophores and arsenicals.

Narrow Spectrum Antimicrobial—an antimicrobial effective against a limited number of bacterial genera often applied to an antimicrobial active against either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria.

Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial—an antimicrobial effective against a large number of bacterial genera; generally describes antibiotics effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.



Immunization—the process of rendering a subject immune or of becoming immune, either by conventional vaccination or exposure.

Monitoring—monitoring includes periodic health surveillance of the population or individual animal examination.

Therapeutic—treatment, control, and prevention of bacterial disease.

Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) – A VCPR exists when all of the following conditions have been met:

  1. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client has agreed to follow the veterinarian’s instructions.