LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - THE world's oldest profession is getting a surge of new blood, thanks to a decision this week that opens the door to the first legal male prostitutes in US history.

The Shady Lady Ranch, a small brothel about 150 miles from Las Vegas where about four female prostitutes now work, is accepting applications via its website for male sex workers after receiving the go-ahead from the local board that licenses prostitutes.

'My wife wanted to try this, so I said OK,' said 78-year-old Jim Davis, a retired architect from California who has owned the brothel with his wife for 17 years. 'We don't know whether it's going to work or not, but it's gonna be fun to find out.'

Nevada is the only US state to allow legal prostitution, but the laws governing it specify cervical screenings for female sex workers. The Davises persuaded the Nevada Board of Health to grant a waiver creating a health-screening process for men, which involves urethral tests.

Co-owner Bobbi Davis, 55, has received hundreds of applicants and hopes to hire one or two studs by the end of the month.

Several male escorts and porn stars have sent in their resumes and photos, but she said she's looking for someone who can charm women as much as sexually perform for them.

'They've got to be able to laugh at a lady's joke,' Ms Davis said.

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