a real possibility in a country where cleaning of the parity area is infrequent. In addition, the resistant spore form of C. burnetii can survive for long periods,thus contaminating the umbilical cords at birth. However,we must consider the possibility of associations due to collinearity of the disinfection and a lower seropositive with a good general management. To evaluate this confounding factor, associations between disinfection of the umbilical cord and good management variables,such as cleanliness of cattle facilities, quarantines or deworming, were evaluated, but significant associations(95% confidence level) were not found.