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

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

paralyzed chicken slaughtering at 12 meat-packing facilities,

José Santos, head of a local poultry lobby, said on Friday.

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

producers and exporters. Global meat companies including JBS SA

and BRF SA ( BRFS ) operate in the region.