The state Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said in a news release that chronic wasting disease is a contagious and fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and similar animals native to North America. There's currently no evidence the disease can be transmitted to humans.
The state said hunters face prosecution if carcasses are illegally brought into Kentucky.
The disease has been found in 24 states, including Ohio, Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Kentucky doesn't have the disease in its animals and prohibits importation of whole carcasses or high-risk parts from animals killed in infected states and provinces.