> you treat just in case, then is/was it prophylactic?

Prophylactic refers to applying a device, method or chemical for a problem you don't have, such as using TM to prevent foulbrood in healthy hives. 

This, as opposed to medicating an infection which is already present to some degree. It also may prevent it from spreading, but that is a treatment, not a prophylactic regime. 

The third option is used by many livestock producers: using antibiotics to stimulate growth, which falls under neither of the other two categories. This, of course, is the most problematic of the three.

PLB

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html