Diseases impact the conservation of wild animals both in their natural habitats and in breeding programs that serve as safeguards to species survival. But the causes for these diseases are often unknown. Dr. Terio's research focuses predominately on diseases of wild felids and primates, involving both disease surveillance and research. She works with a number of international conservation organizations including the Gombe Ecohealth Project and Cheetah Conservation Fund as well as the Great Ape Heart Project and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Felid Taxon Advisory Group and Species Survival Plans.