SAO PAULO, May 3 (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding in

Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have reduced or

paralyzed chicken and pork slaughtering at multiple meatpacking

facilities, according to industry groups on Friday.

Global meat companies including JBS SA and BRF SA ( BRFS )

operate in the region, where entire towns have

submerged and roads were totally or partially blocked by the

unprecedented downpours.

Some 12 chicken processors were affected, Jose Santos, head

of a local poultry lobby, said.

Five pork processors have been impacted by lack of animals

for slaughtering and dwindling animal feed stocks, said Rogerio

Kerber, head of a lobby group representing producers, referring

to disruptions in the heavily hit Taquari river valley.

Rio Grande do Sul is one of Brazil's largest chicken and

pork producers and exporters.