Heavy rains and flooding in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have reduced or paralysed chicken and pork slaughtering at multiple meatpacking facilities, Reuters reported, citing industry groups on Friday.

Global meat companies including JBS SA and BRF SA 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.