Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/umls/id/C0034695
NCI: From the Sigmodon genus of rodents, Sigmodon hispidus was the first animal model to be used in polio research. The cotton rat has a stout body, small ears and a dark coat that can be dark brown or mixed buff and black, with a tail length that is 35% of its total body length. As its name suggests, this breed has a proclivity for cotton in its nesting, and is a natural Hanta viral reservoir. The cotton rat has wide applications in viral research.,NCI: The rat of the genus and species Sigmodon hispidus.