Food and Agricultural Code section 14402

(a)

Beginning January 1, 2018, a medically important antimicrobial drug may be used when, in the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian, the medically important antimicrobial drug is any of the following:

(1)

Necessary to treat a disease or infection.

(2)

Necessary to control the spread of a disease or infection.

(3)

Necessary in relation to surgery or a medical procedure.

(b)

A medically important antimicrobial drug may also be used when, in the professional judgment of a licensed veterinarian, it is needed for prophylaxis to address an elevated risk of contraction of a particular disease or infection.

(c)

A person shall not administer a medically important antimicrobial drug to livestock solely for purposes of promoting weight gain or improving feed efficiency.

(d)

Unless the administration is consistent with subdivision (a), a person shall not administer a medically important antimicrobial drug in a regular pattern.

Source: Section 14402, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=FAC§ionNum=14402.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2016; accessed Jun. 30, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 30, 2025

§ 14402's source at ca​.gov