**3. Conclusions**

This chapter describes the epidemiology of NSI and sharps injuries in veterinary medicine and emphasizes the importance of compliance with international standards of infection control practices, of training and of the education of veterinarians. It emphasizes the need for reporting and prevention of NSI and sharps injuries. Increasing awareness of hazards and how to avoid them and establishing better work environments are also crucial. Education regarding the use of personal protective equipment and the importance of reporting accidents should be promoted. There is a need to assess accurately the risk of NSI and sharps hazards in veterinary practice in order to develop effective measures for reducing related incidents. More epidemiological studies in this field are needed to study risk factors, to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices. It is also essential to put a cost-effective and efficient injury and control programme into place.
