The Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health located at the University of Saskatchewan has received an anonymous, $1.5-million donation to fund the purchase and operating costs of a new mobile unit that will travel around rural Saskatchewan.

Centre Director Dr. Shelly Kirchuk and Kendra Ulmer, the manager of the Agricultural Health and Safety Network will talk about the work of the rural and agricultural centre and the significance of the donation.

Saskatchewan Agriculture is telling farmers to watch for anthrax after one confirmed case in the eastern part of the province.Two additional cows in the same herd are also suspected of contracting the fatal disease.

Dr Wendy Wilkins, a disease surveillance veterinarian with the Ministry of agriculture says anthrax is caused by a bacterium which can survive in spore form for decades in the soil. Changes in soil moisture from flooding and drying can lead to a buildup of spores on pastures. Those spores tend to concentrate in slough and pothole and become exposed in drier years.

She'll explain which animals are susceptible and what should be done if you suspect anthrax on your farm.