For the source text click/tap here: Moed Katan 6
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Although many agricultural activities are forbidden on Hol HaMoed and during the Sabbatical year, those tasks that are essential for the ongoing upkeep of fields are permitted.
One example presented in the last Mishna on our daf is the need to destroy pests that would otherwise damage the plants and fields.
The example presented by the Mishna is the need to trap ishut and akhbarim.
The Gemara appears to know that akhbarim are mice. What are ishut?
Rav Yehuda claims that they are creatures without eyes. Although this description sounds strange, it is actually not difficult to identify the animal discussed in the Mishna. It is likely a type of spalax – a blind mole rat – and specifically the spalax ehrenbergi, which is the most common type found in Israel.
We explore the exciting new biology of their anti-cancer protecting genes and their so-called blindness, as well as their role models in Perek Shira and mythology.
Lastly we grieve the loss of Magawa the field mine-sniffing rodent that detected (through the smell of chemicals in the mine) she 17000 landmines in Cambodia
NPR’s coverage of the story.