SAO PAULO, May 7 (Reuters) - Competing Brazilian

meatpackers have joined forces to circumvent problems caused by

heavy flooding in Rio Grande do Sul state, where torrential

rains blocked roads, killed livestock and crippled critical

infrastructure, Jose Ribas, who presides over meat lobby

Sindicarne, said on Tuesday.

Ribas said Brazilian meatpackers are working in partnership

to overcome logistical hurdles preventing feed and water

supplies from reaching chicken and hog farms. Four chicken and

hog plants remain halted while six are gradually resuming

operations, Ribas said.