Disaster Information

USDA Drought Disaster Designation – Resources for Ag Operations (April 2026)

The USDA has designated San Diego County as a natural disaster area due to severe drought. If your operation experiences any loss due to drought, please fill out an Agricultural Damage Assessment Form and and return it via email to sdcawm@sdcounty.ca.gov or any AWM office location:

AWM Kearny Mesa Office:
9325 Hazard Way, Ste. 100
San Diego, CA 92123

AWM San Marcos Office:
151 E. Carmel St.
San Marcos, CA 92078

These reports help determine eligibility for state and federal support. Affected operators may also contact local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices for elligible emergency loan assistance, with an eight‑month application window from April 6, 2026.

Fire Damage

• Updates on fire incidents  
• FSA Emergency Loans
• CDFA Fire Recovery

Rain, Storm, or Flood Damage

Flood Safety Resources

• San Diego County Sand and Sandbag Locations
• US FDA: Safety of Food and Animal Food Crops Affected by Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages
• University of California: 
  • UC Food Safety: Food Safety After a Disaster
  • UC Small Farm Food Safety: Produce Safety and Flood Resources
  • UC Small Farm Food Safety: Potential Biological Hazards Associated with Use of Contaminated Agricultural Water

Flooding and Livestock Resources

As California faces another round of severe rainfall and flooding, the University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine (UCD-SVM) has four references available for free download. Each document supplies specific information for livestock owners who are preparing for, responding to and recovering from flooding.

• Flooding and Equine Owners
• Flooding and Livestock Owners
• California Dairies: Coping with Flooding and Evacuation
• Checklist for Emergency Flood Evacuation of a Dairy
• Sandbags Available for Upcoming Storms | News | San Diego County News Center
• Flooding (readysandiego.org)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in wild birds in California. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is the lead agency and has a dedicated HPAI website for more info.

The greatest risk of HPAI is for commercial and non-commercial poultry farmers/owners having their flocks infected with the bird flu and impacting bird health and possible death.

Report any unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic, pet, or collection birds immediately via the CDFA Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

For any unusual or suspicious wild bird deaths, or questions about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 

More information can be found in the following documents:

• HPAI Informational Flyer
• Avian Influenza Flyer
• Map of California County HPAI Detections
• Poultry Product Permit Requirements

Drought Assistance

CDFA and USDA  are providing resources to drought-impacted farmers and ranchers. Please visit California Drought Assistance for more information.

USDA Farm Service Agency Emergency Loans

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine. Please see the linked FSA Emergency Loan Program form or visit FSA's website for more info.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Farm Service Agency local County Executive Office at (760)-347-3675. FSA office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month. FSA office located at 900 Canterbury Place, Escondido, CA 92025.