The discovery of Brucella abortus in 1897 by Bernhard Lauritz Frederik Bang identified the source of contagious bovine abortion, a pathogen subsequently designated as Bang's bacillus. This investigation fundamentally altered the understanding of veterinary pathology and identified the cause of undulant fever in humans, cementing his status as a critical figure in bacteriology and animal medicine.
Early Education and Career Shifts
Born on 7 June 1848 in Sorø to Jacob Henrik Bang and Laura Louise Marie Josephine Moth, he initially attended the local academy. He pursued higher education at the University of Copenhagen, qualifying as a physician in 1872. A brief tenure practicing medicine in Nørrebro preceded his pivot to veterinary studies. He completed his veterinary credentials at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in 1873, eventually serving as a teacher of surgery and director of the institution.
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Following five years at the Copenhagen Municipal Hospital and Almindelig Hospital, Bang turned his focus toward the ambulatory clinic. He secured an M.D. in July 1880 with a thesis regarding pulmonary embolism and thrombosis. Beyond his academic duties, he functioned as a primary veterinary adviser to the Danish government, dedicating his expertise to the development of protocols for managing bovine tuberculosis and advancing smallpox vaccination techniques.
Decorations and Public Recognition
His extensive contributions to science were acknowledged through numerous national and international honors. The Danish state bestowed multiple ranks of the Order of the Dannebrog, including the Grand Cross in 1922, the Commander First Class, and the Decoration of the Cross of Honour. Academically, he held honorary doctorates from the universities of Oslo and Utrecht, and maintained membership in the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters.
Fast facts
- Born: 7 June 1848, Sorø
- Died: 22 June 1932, Frederiksberg
- Education: University of Copenhagen
- Primary discovery: Brucella abortus (1897)
- Burial site: Solbjerg Park Cemetery
- Award: Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog (1922)
Questions readers ask
What is Bang's disease?
It is an infectious condition in cattle caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, which leads to abortion and may also transmit to humans as undulant fever.
Where is he buried?
He is buried at Solbjerg Park Cemetery.
Achievements
- Commander First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland — 1920
- Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog — 1887
- commander of the Order of the Dannebrog — 1898
- Knight Grand Officer of the Order of the Dannebrog — 1911
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog — 1922
- Held posts at Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
- Fields: veterinary science
